James Cook University (JCU) researchers are calling for urgent government support to protect the spectacled flying-fox from extinction as new and escalating threats push the species closer to the brink. Despite their reputation as noisy and messy neighbours, spectacled flying-foxes play a vital role in the survival of Australia’s rainforests, travelling vast distances to pollinate flowers and spread seeds at levels unmatched by any other species. JCU adjunct associate professor Noel Preece sai
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National Police Remembrance Day Today, the community of Ingham came together to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the Queensland Police Service who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The National Police Remembrance Day Service, held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, offered a solemn and poignant moment for reflection, remembrance, and respect. Since 1861, 151 Queensland Police officers have lost their lives while protecting and serving communities across the state.
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Each year, a team of Hinchinbrook Emergency Services Cadets travels to Brisbane to attend the prestigious ESCAPE Week, a program that brings together cadets from across Queensland to experience life at multiple emergency services. This year, three Hinchinbrook cadets participated: two senior cadets attending as leaders and one as a program participant, accompanied by Cadet Coordinator Mark Regazzoli. The week kicked off at Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), Bribie Island, where cadets underwent an
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The Hurley Bus Since launching in December last year, the Hurley Bus has already completed more than 400 bookings, providing free transport for elderly, frail, and palliative community members. The service, run entirely by volunteers through the Ingham Palliative Carers Committee, offers a safe, reliable, and compassionate way for people to stay connected and attend important appointments. The eight-seat bus is wheelchair accessible and travels throughout Ingham, the surrounding districts, Card
Read the full storyQueensland introduces New Lifejacket Regulations to Boost Maritime Safety. The
new lifejacket regulations came into effect across the state on Sunday 1 December, 2024 as part of the Queensland Government’s initiative to increase maritime safety.
Although enforcement of these new laws will be delayed until 1 July 2025, the Queensland Government advises boaters to understand and abide by these changes to stay safe and compliant on the water.
“We will be focusing on education, with enforcement delayed until 1 July 2025, to ensure all boaties are aware of the change,” said a Maritime Safety Queensland spokesperson.
In the interest of increasing water safety, the new regulations will make wearing a lifejacket mandatory in the following circumstances:
• Boating alone, or only with children under 12 years on an open boat less than 4.8m in length whilst underway.
• Crossing designated coastal bars on an open ship, and on an open area of a boat of any length, and on certain craft.
• Children one year or more and under 12 years are on an open boat or an open area of a boat of any length whilst underway.
• Nighttime boating, between sunset and sunrise on any open boat less than 4.8m in length whilst underway.
The rules apply to a plethora of boats and crafts (excluding body boards, and stand-up paddle boards), like small sailboats, pedal boats, rafts (including inflatables), rowboats (except Club Surfboards by Surf Life Saving Australia), and sea kayaks.
The legislative change hopes to bring Queensland in line with the safety standards observed in other states, with the Queensland Government stating the change hopes to ensure you, your passengers and your loved ones get home safely.
Within the last 5 years, there were 64 boating fatalities in Queensland, and only 5 were known to be wearing their lifejacket at the time of the incident. Studies have concluded time and time again that children, and those boating alone, at night or crossing coastal bars are at the highest risk of drowning at sea.
To access up to date and relevant information on legislative changes and maritime safety, please visit www.msq.qld.gov.au.
New lifejacket laws came into effect across Queensland on 1 December 2024.
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